The children’s playground at Kolowalu Park in Ward Village opened Wednesday at 4 p.m. after undergoing a major renovation in order to make it inclusive to children of all ages and abilities.
The 2.3-acre park straddles a portion of Queen Street between Kamakee and Waimanu streets and is owned and operated by the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
“As a parent of two young kids, I thought it was important to create a space that could be enjoyed by children of all abilities,” said Lindsey Doi, HCDA asset manager, in a news release. “A lot of thought went into hand-picking each element of this playground so that we could offer something special for everyone.
HCDA contracted Inspired Play Hawai‘i to deliver Oahu’s first inclusive playground, according to Craig Nakamoto, HCDA executive director.
“When designing this project, we envisioned a space for every child—accommodating a full spectrum of abilities and needs,” said Danielle Sagum, owner and operator of Inspired Play Hawai‘i. “From children using mobility devices to those with sensory, communication, and emotional regulation challenges, we built this playground with inclusivity in mind. The sensory play panels throughout the play area offer unique ways for kids to engage—whether through sound, sight, motion, or touch. These elements and more open new possibilities for connection and play, ensuring every child feels welcomed and supported.”
Earlier in the year, HCDA installed new benches, picnic tables and adult fitness equipment on the makai side of Kolowalu Park. Improvements to the mauka side of the park are expected to be completed in early 2025 with the opening of a new dog park.
Funding for all of the improvements came from the Hawaii State Legislature.
